Shloka 33
स्कन्द: शक्ति समादाय तस्थौ मेरुरिवाचल: । ओषषधीर्दीप्यमानाश्व जगृहातेडश्विनावपि,देवताओंके सेनापति स्कन्द शक्ति हाथमें लेकर मेरु पर्वतकी भाँति अविचल भावसे खड़े हो गये। दोनों अश्विनीकुमारोंने भी चमकीली ओषधियाँ उठा लीं
skandaḥ śaktiṃ samādāya tasthau merur ivācalaḥ | oṣadhīr dīpyamānāś ca jagṛhatur aśvināv api ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Skanda, taking up his spear, stood firm and unmoving like Mount Meru. The two Aśvin twins, for their part, also gathered radiant medicinal herbs—preparing their own means of protection and healing.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights two complementary virtues in crisis: unwavering steadiness in duty (Skanda standing immovable with his weapon) and prudent readiness to heal and protect (the Aśvins gathering radiant medicinal herbs). Strength and care are shown as allied, not opposed.
Skanda arms himself with his spear and takes a firm stance, compared to Mount Meru. Simultaneously, the divine twin physicians, the Aśvins, collect shining medicinal herbs, indicating preparation for injuries and the need for restoration amid impending conflict.